Climbing mountains to support CareerWork$

“Lots of folks are going through the challenging situation of finding a career and not just a job.  We all want to grow, we all want to ascend to new heights and take care of our families.”

In June 2023, Pedro Marti, a dedicated philanthropist and board member of CareerWork$®, undertook an extraordinary mission known as the 29029 Challenge in Sun Valley, California. This challenge involved completing 15 hikes, each 1.6 miles long, covering a vertical climb of 29,655 feet in just 36 hours—equivalent to a climb higher than Mount Everest. Pedro’s commitment went beyond a personal feat; he was on a mission to inspire others to give and donate to causes he deeply cared about. Pedro pledged to donate $1.00 for every foot climbed and encouraged his personal network to join the cause in supporting four non-profit organizations close to his heart, including CareerWork$.

“Challenging myself to climb almost 30,000 vertical feet in what turned out to be the most difficult physical journey of my life was the least I could do to honor all my friends at CareerWork$.  CareerWork$ and our partners are moving the needle in economic opportunity and helping those that are ready, willing and able to help themselves.  I am proud of them, proud of myself and appreciative of all those that contributed based on my feet climbed count.  Forever grateful for the 29029 journey and its inspiration to go for more one step at a time.”

After 33.5 hours, 30,000 feet climbed, and more than 13,000 calories burned, Pedro successfully completed the challenge. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Pedro’s efforts resulted in raising over $50,000 to date for CareerWork$ which is making a substantial impact on our work.

Congratulations, Pedro, on your remarkable accomplishment and thank you for your support of CareerWork$ and other non-profit organizations!

How The Washington Bankers Association Supports and Impacts BankWork$ Graduates

Since 1889, the Washington Bankers Association (WBA) has been a crucial guiding force in shaping the direction of banking in Washington and beyond. By working closely with government regulators and policymakers, they help keep banks informed about the changing national landscape in the banking industry. 

We are fortunate to collaborate with the WBA through BankWork$®, our free training program that helps young adults build meaningful careers in banking through placement assistance and ongoing coaching to emphasize the importance of storytelling, community building, and sharing success stories. “Being present at every BankWork$ graduation is a way for us to demonstrate our commitment,” said Duncan Taylor, Senior Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer at WBA. “It’s exciting to see the passion and potential of each graduate, knowing they represent the future of banking. Our partnership demonstrates our commitment to building a diverse and skilled workforce. The WBA actively assists BankWork$ graduates by offering avenues for career growth,” adds Duncan. 

Megan Managan, Director of Public Affairs at WBA, highlights how BankWork$ doesn’t just launch careers; it changes lives. “We’ve seen individuals thrive, and their stories become a central part of our push for a strong and inclusive banking sector.” WBA’s commitment to the future goes beyond supporting laws and policies. They invest in programs that prepare the next generation of bankers, such as our BankWork$ grads. WBA is dedicated to advocating for new ideas in banking, promoting growth, education, diversity, and community impact, and supporting projects that make communities better. 

Learn more about the Washington Bankers Association.